Method for operation of a rotating space vehicle with varying rotation

US6634604B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Astrium GmbH Earth Observation and Science Div. · DE

Inventors

• Ernst Bruderle · Ottobrunn, DE
• Raoul Kieffer · Hersbruck, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/443
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for operating a space vehicle equipped with at least one device cooperating with a celestial body, wherein rotation of the space vehicle takes place around at least one axis of the space vehicle. The rotation of the space vehicle is slowed when the device cooperating with the celestial body is oriented substantially toward the celestial body. The device can be a solar panel intended to face the sun and produce electrical energy.